Police investigating missing funds from Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s riding association
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said he was notified on Monday evening that funds had been allegedly stolen from the Pictou East Riding Association. Houston has represented the Pictou East Riding as an MLA since 2013.
Houston said the exact amount of the missing funds is “unknown at this time” but he notified New Glasgow Police of the incident and confirmed there was an investigation underway.
Houston held a press conference Wednesday to announce the investigation into the missing funds. He said money from the riding association’s bank account was withdrawn without authorization.
“Immediately on Monday the matter was reported and the individual to the local police,” said Houston.
“I can’t even begin to explain the incredible level of betrayal that I feel and that my riding executive feels about this matter. I have a wide range of emotions as you can imagine,” said Houston.
“Of course I’m angry. I’m sad, I’m hurt but most of all I’m just really devastated for the volunteers for the association who works [sic] so hard on behalf of the association on behalf of myself the party.”
Elections Nova Scotia was notified of the missing funds on Tuesday. A notice was sent out to party members Wednesday to notify them of the investigation.
Houston said police urged him to limit the amount of information he provided the media to protect the investigation.
“We want the truth and we want accountability and we want answers to the questions,” said Houston. "The investigation must run its course."
Houston stressed the party is seeking truth and accountability but wouldn’t give a dollar figure except to say that it was in the thousands.
“This is someone that’s been known to me for a long time,” said Houston.
Houston said it's a small group of volunteers in the riding association that would have access to the bank account.
New Glasgow Regional Police confirmed Monday that they received reports that money has gone missing from the Pictou East Riding Association.
Police said they have referred the case to their major crimes unit who are conducting a fraud investigation.
“They are only in the early and preliminary stages of the investigation at the point in time, with officers gathering information and evidence,” said Const. Ken MacDonald, public information officer with New Glasgow Regional Police.
No arrests have been made at this time.
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
N.S. school 'deeply sorry' for asking service members not to wear uniforms at Remembrance Day ceremony
An elementary school in the Halifax area has backed away from a request that service members not wear uniforms to the school's Remembrance Day ceremony.
107-year-old temperature record among dozens broken across Canada
Canadians are experiencing a wave of warm weather across multiple provinces well into the fall season, shattering dozens of temperature records.
48,584 space heaters recalled in Canada after burn injury in U.S.
Health Canada has announced a recall for electric space heaters over potential fire and burn risks, a notice published Thursday reads.
Canada rent report: What landlords are asking tenants to pay
Average asking rents declined nationally on a year-over-year basis for the first time in more than three years in October, said a report out Thursday.
Assailants attack Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam. The violence was condemned as antisemitic
Israeli fans were assaulted after a soccer game in Amsterdam by hordes of young people apparently riled up by calls on social media to target Jewish people, Dutch authorities said Friday. Five people were treated for injuries at hospitals and dozens were arrested.
Time limits meant to speed up justice have halted hundreds of criminal cases in Canada
Supporters say the so-called Jordan ruling has sped up proceedings and strengthened Charter rights for prompt justice. But the legacy of Jordan is mixed, and some victims say the time limits work in criminals' favour.
Oven to be removed from Halifax store where employee died: Walmart
Walmart says a large bakery oven will be removed from the Halifax store where an employee died last month.
Prince William calls past year 'incredibly tough'
Prince William has described the past year as "brutal" following cancer diagnoses for his wife and father. "Honestly, it's been dreadful," he said.
Canada's permanent employees earning more, according to latest jobs data
Canada added lower-than-expected 14,500 jobs in October and wages of permanent employees rose, data showed on Friday, as the economy grappled to absorb the slack built up due to a rapidly rising population amid an overheated market.